Navigating compliance requirements in the global market can be challenging for UK fashion and textile businesses, especially when dealing with varying regulations across different countries. UKFT can help members overcome these hurdles, ensuring their products reach their destination without unnecessary delays or added costs.

Recently we have been made aware that there is active market surveillance on product compliance in the EU. We are aware of members product being seized for missing mandatory translations, product being held at border for incorrect labelling/shipping documentation and product being refused entry for chemical compliance (test reports being required).

Here are some real-life examples of compliance issues members are facing and how we can support to avoid future setbacks.

Re-labelling challenges in Portugal

One of our members recently faced a compliance issue when their products were seized from a physical store in Portugal. The reason? The mandatory labelling requirements for Country of Origin (CoO), Fibre Composition and Care Instructions were not met. Portuguese officials insisted that these details be presented in Portuguese, and symbols alone (e.g., GINETEX care symbols) were not sufficient.

How we can help:

• We can guide members through the specific requirements for textile labelling in Portugal, helping to ensure translations meet regulatory standards.

Shipping documentation delays in Spain

Another member experienced delays when Spanish customs held their shipment for over two weeks due to incorrect shipping documentation. The situation was compounded by staff shortages, making it even harder for customs to process the goods efficiently.

How we can help:

• We can advise which shipping and compliance documentation you may require for exporting.
• We can also help to ensure compliance with Spanish customs requirements.

AZO testing for Greece and Turkey

Shipping to Greece presented another challenge for one of our members, who was asked to provide AZO dye test reports to demonstrate compliance with safety standards. AZO dyes, commonly used in textiles, are regulated in many countries due to potential health risks. We’ve also noted similar requests from Turkish authorities in the past.

How we can help:

• We can advise on best practices for maintaining and organising compliance documentation for markets with stringent chemical safety regulations
• We can also provide guidance on proactively testing high-risk products to avoid delays when entering sensitive markets like Greece and Turkey.

UKFT’s compliance support for members

These examples highlight the diverse challenges our members face in international trade in an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.

Our team offers:

• Expert guidance: Whether it’s navigating customs documentation, labelling requirements or product safety standards, we provide clear, actionable advice tailored to specific markets.
• Resources: Access to checklists, guidelines and webinars on compliance topics to help members stay ahead of regulatory changes.
• Proactive updates: We monitor regulatory updates and share insights to help members avoid potential compliance pitfalls.

Have a compliance issue?

If you are a UKFT member facing a compliance issue or want to ensure your processes are up to date, get in touch at info@ukft.org

For details on how to become a member, visit www.ukft.org/membership